You’ve got the venue, the guest list, and the caterer sorted. But when it comes to linen rentals, most people hit the same wall: how many tablecloths do I actually need, and what size? Order too few and you’re scrambling the day before. Order too many and you’re paying for linens sitting folded in a corner.
This guide gives you the exact numbers — no guesswork, no spreadsheets.
Step 1: Count Your Tables (Not Your Guests)
Linen quantities are based on tables, not headcount. Before you do anything else, confirm:
- How many tables you’re using
- What size and shape each table is (round, banquet/rectangular, cocktail high-top)
- Whether any tables are for buffet, bar, or gift display — these need linens too
Don’t forget: a 100-person event might have 10 dinner tables, 2 buffet tables, 1 bar table, and 4 cocktail high-tops. That’s 17 tablecloths, not 10.
Step 2: Match Your Linen Size to Your Table
The most common mistake is ordering the wrong size. The drop — how far the linen hangs over the edge — changes the whole look. Here’s a quick reference for our most popular table rentals:
Round Tables
| Table Size | Seats | Linen Size (lap drop) | Linen Size (floor length) |
| 48″ round | 6–8 | 90″ round | 120″ round |
| 60″ round | 8–10 | 108″ round | 132″ round |
| 72″ round | 10–12 | 120″ round | — |
Banquet / Rectangular Tables
| Table Size | Seats | Linen Size (lap drop) | Linen Size (floor length) |
| 6 ft (30″×72″) | 6–8 | 60″×102″ | 90″×132″ |
| 8 ft (30″×96″) | 8–10 | 60″×126″ | 90″×156″ |
Cocktail / High-Top Tables
| Table Type | Standard Height | Linen Size (floor length) |
| Cocktail high-top (30″ dia.) | 42″ | 120″ round |
| Cocktail high-top (36″ dia.) | 42″ | 132″ round |
Not sure which tables you’re using? Browse our full tables collection to check dimensions before you order linens.
Step 3: Decide on Drop Length
Drop length is the distance the linen hangs below the tabletop. There are two common choices:
- Lap drop (approx. 8″–10″ overhang) — casual and practical, good for outdoor events and family-style dining
- Floor length — elegant and formal, conceals table legs entirely; the standard for weddings and upscale events
For cocktail high-tops, floor length is almost always the right call — it hides the pedestal base and looks far more polished.
Step 4: Don’t Forget Overlays and Skirting
A tablecloth is just the foundation. Two extras that make a big difference:
- Overlays — a shorter, often decorative linen placed on top of the base tablecloth. Great for adding color, texture, or pattern without changing the full linen. Popular for weddings and themed events.
- Skirting — fabric that wraps around the front of a buffet or display table and is gathered or pleated to create a finished look. Essential for buffet tables, cake tables, and gift tables.
If you’re using overlays, you’ll need one base cloth and one overlay per table — so double your linen count for those tables.
Step 5: Order a Buffer
Always order 10–15% more linens than your exact table count. Why?
- Last-minute table additions are common — a few extra guests, a late gift table request
- Spills happen. Having a spare cloth for a high-traffic buffet or bar table is good insurance
- Setup teams sometimes swap out a linen if it gets wrinkled or soiled during delivery
For a 100-person event with 17 tables, order 19–20 linens.
Quick Reference: Linen Count by Event Size
| Guests | Dinner Tables | Buffet/Bar Tables | Cocktail High-Tops | Total Linens (+ 10% buffer) |
| 50 | 5–6 | 1–2 | 4–6 | 12–15 |
| 100 | 10–11 | 2–3 | 6–8 | 20–24 |
| 150 | 15–17 | 2–4 | 8–10 | 28–34 |
| 200 | 20–22 | 3–4 | 10–12 | 37–42 |
Note: counts assume 60″ round tables seating 8–10, with a mix of 6ft banquet and cocktail high-tops. Adjust based on your actual table mix.
A Note on Colours and Coordination
Once you have your quantities sorted, the fun part begins. Our linen collection covers a wide range of colours and styles — from classic whites and ivories to deep jewel tones and everything in between.
A few rules that always work:
- Stick to 2–3 colours maximum across your full linen scheme
- Use your base cloth as a neutral and let overlays carry the accent colour
- Coordinate with your seating — a white Chiavari chair with a dark linen reads very differently from a black folding chair with the same linen
Need help thinking through your chair and linen pairing? Browse our seating options alongside the linen collection to see what works together.
Ready to Order?
B & B Party Rentals has been supplying event linens to weddings, corporate events, bar mitzvahs, and private parties across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and New Jersey for over 25 years.
Browse our full linen rental collection — or explore our complete product catalog to plan your full table setup. Give us a call at (718) 436-8433 and we’ll help you get the count right the first time.
